Kurt Godel was born in 1906 in Brunn, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and now part of the Czech Republic, to a father who owned a textile factory and had a fondness for logic and reason and a mother who believed in starting her son's education early. By age 10, Godel was studying math, religion and several languages. By 25 he had produced what many consider the most important result of 20th century mathematics: his famous "incompleteness theorem." Godel's ...

In the 1950s, after they saved the world from Hitler and before they perfected the three-martini lunch, the Greatest Generation wiped out bedbugs — or so they thought. They hit the tick-size parasites with DDT by the barrel, then mopped up with malathion. But here's the thing about the tiny bloodsuckers: they have an amazing ability to stay on task. Years passed. DDT was banned. People grew complacent. Parents still said, "Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs ...

Reinhard Mohn, who turned his family's religious publishing company into Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's largest media conglomerates, died Saturday, the firm announced Sunday. Mohn, who was 88, and his family were worth $2.5 billion, Forbes magazine estimated in its annual rich list in March, making them the 261st wealthiest family in the world. They own 23 percent of Bertelsmann, with the rest controlled by a trust Mohn established. The company owns Random House -- publisher of Dan Brown's ...

Filmmaker Roman Polanski has been arrested in Switzerland on an arrest warrant issued 31 years ago in connection with a rape charge. The Academy Award-winning director pleaded guilty in 1977 to having sex with a 13-year-old girl in the United States, but fled the country before he could be sentenced. Authorities in the United States issued a warrant for his arrest in 1978. He was taken into custody on Saturday, Zurich police said. Polanski has lived in France for decades ...

Who's the greatest driver of all-time? Michael Schumacher? Maybe Alain Prost? Ayrton Senna perhaps? In an exclusive interview with CNN, three-time Formula One world champion, Jackie Stewart had no hesitation in naming his choice for the greatest driver of all-time. "My hero, and the man I most respected and probably still do is Juan Manuel Fangio." Stewart told CNN. It's not misty-eyed nostalgia for a bygone era that persuades "The Flying Scot," as Stewart became known. And it wasn't just ...

Don't confuse Katey Sagal for Peg Bundy -- it's a common mistake. While her infamous alter ego was uneducated, Katey is thoughtful and well-spoken; Peg's fashion is time-warped (hello, bouffant!), Katey's is earthy; for every ounce of laziness in Peg's body, Katey has a multitasking one to match. It may have taken years for the actress to shake her TV counterpart, but watch Katey as fierce matriarch Gemma Morrow on FX's motorcycle drama "Sons of Anarchy" (which was ...

You're probably not thinking about what you would like for Christmas yet. But ask any environmentalist for their ideal gift and you'll get a version of this answer: a binding agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December that is strong enough to match the science. The talks are the latest in a line of climate conferences that began in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. This year the focus will be on the details of a ...

Roger Federer claimed his record 15th grand slam crown and sixth Wimbledon title as he beat Andy Roddick 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14 in an epic final on Sunday. Federer's five-set triumph sees him surpass American Pete Sampras, who was watching on Centre Court, but the second seed was pushed to the very limits by his big-serving opponent, with the climax coming in a marathon 30-game fifth set. Leading 15-14, Federer forced his first match point against a tiring opponent ...

Dutchman Frank Rijkaard has been appointed as the new coach of Turkish giants Galatasaray on a two-year contract. The 46-year-old, who has previously coached the Dutch national side, Sparta Rotterdam and Barcelona, replaces Bulent Korkmaz -- who resigned earlier this week. The Istanbul-based side finished a disappointing fifth in the top flight Super Lig, a clear 10 points behind champions Besiktas. As a player Rijkaard has a glittering career with Ajax, AC Milan, Real Zaragoza and Sporting Lisbon -- winning ...

British heir to the throne Prince William is to attend tonight's Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona in Rome, in his capacity as President of the English Football Association (FA). The Prince will meet key officials and other dignitaries in private before the match, during half-time and after the match. The Prince will be accompanied by senior English FA officials, including chairman, Lord Triesman. King Juan Carlos of Spain will also attend the match in support of Barcelona ...